Letter: Beware Schengen

Sir: It is true that member countries of the Schengen group do not require passports or identity cards to be shown when crossing frontiers. However, neither Chris Piening nor John Roberts gives the whole story (letters, 1 July). An identity card or passport must be carried at all times when one is within the Schengen area, so that it can be produced on demand. Incidentally, this is a policy that allows easy harassment of people who do not look European.

Joining the group would not reduce demand for passports or identity cards but increase it, as it is inconceivable that existing group members would allow the UK to join without introducing a national identity card scheme. This would be a further restriction on liberties that most British people consider normal. Here in Germany, I not only need to carry my passport (or identity card) at all times but I also have to carry a residence permit, which must be updated with each change of address.

Mr Piening, head of the European Parliament Office, does not further his cause by ignoring the additional burdens on citizens that joining the Schengen group would involve. Unfortunately, it is not a surprise that pro-Europeans ignore the awkward bit .

CHARLES ALLEN

Frankfurt-am-Main